Ben Affleck explains why he's done with Batman: 'I couldn't crack it'

Looks like someone else will play "The Batman" for the 2021 film.
USA TODAY

Ben Affleck is opening up about why he won't be reprising his Batman role when DC Comics' "The Batman" movie hits theaters in summer 2021.

Appearing on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," the 46-year-old actor explained why he was hanging up his superhero suit after playing Bruce Wayne in "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice," "Suicide Squad" and "Justice League."

"I tried to direct a version of it and worked with a really good screenwriter, but just couldn’t come up with a version, I couldn’t crack it,” he said. "So I thought it was time to let someone else take a shot at it. They got some really good people so I’m excited.”

Affleck originally acknowledged on Twitter that he would not be involved in the forthcoming film, quoting a Deadline story about his departure from the series and writing, "Excited for #TheBatman in Summer 2021 and to see @MattReevesLA vision come to life."

As previously announced, Matt Reeves signed on to direct "The Batman" following Affleck's departure from the film. Affleck was originally supposed to write, direct and star in "The Batman," then pulled out of directing duties two years ago, though he said at the time that he remained committed to starring in the film.

During an interview with USA TODAY in January 2017, Affleck said he was having issues with directing and writing the film.

"Superhero movies get the level of attention that is nothing like any film I've done. You cast the 14th lead in these movies and the Internet goes crazy," Affleck said. "I understand and embrace that. That’s part of the pressure that comes with doing it. That’s why I am not going to do it, unless I really feel confident about it."